Why JKIA is tightening baggage rules and what it means for travellers

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is implementing stricter baggage controls to separate passenger luggage from commercial cargo, improving operations at the busy airport. Passengers will no longer be able to attach or combine luggage belonging to different travellers; bags found joined together upon arrival may be separated and returned at the owner's expense.

The Kenya Airports Authority explains this measure aims to curb the movement of excess baggage and commercial consignments through passenger luggage systems. Passengers are now required to travel with luggage assigned to them and adhere to airline baggage limits. Unaccepted bags or packages from others are also prohibited. Commercial goods must be processed through authorized cargo terminals, not passenger baggage channels.

Airlines violating these requirements could face penalties, including suspension, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority's advisory on the new controls. The changes aim to ensure passenger luggage and cargo are handled through proper channels. For incoming travellers, this means baggage may undergo closer scrutiny, especially if luggage appears combined or carries goods for another person.

These baggage controls are part of broader airport enhancements following the 69th meeting of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee on September 9, 2026. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo directed relevant agencies to implement these improvements aimed at enhancing passenger processing and border management.

JKIA is also introducing the Automatic Terminal Information Service to assist in managing incoming and outgoing flights, and is preparing to launch Advanced Passenger Registration, with data rooms expected to be operational within a month. Airport reorganization is underway to streamline check-in and screening areas, and improve the flow of passengers.

The changes come as JKIA handles around 8.8 million passengers annually, with about 60% of traffic being transit passengers. The Kenyan government is rolling out a Ksh154.2 billion modernization program, aiming to boost the airport's short-term passenger-handling capacity to 12 million annually, and a new terminal is expected to add another 10 million passengers.

The new terminal is scheduled to be completed in 54 months, significantly increasing JKIA's capacity. These enhancements aim to solidify JKIA's role as a regional aviation hub and elevate services for passengers and airlines. For travelers, the immediate impact is stricter baggage requirements, more rigorous checks, and clearer distinctions between passenger luggage and commercial cargo.